Benefits

VFW - Veterans of Foreign Wars

About Us

Across America, the initials VFW are a familiar sight and symbolize a commitment to the nation both at home and abroad.

Who We Are

The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States is a nonprofit veteran's service organization comprised of eligible veterans and military service members from the active, guard and reserve forces.

We trace our roots back to 1899 when veterans of the Spanish-American War (1898) and the Philippine Insurrection (1899-1902) founded local organizations to secure rights and benefits for their service. Many arrived home wounded or sick. There was no medical care or veterans' pension for them, and they were left to care for themselves.

In their misery, some of these veterans banded together and formed organizations that would eventually band together and become known as the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States. After chapters were formed in Ohio, Colorado and Pennsylvania, the movement quickly gained momentum. Today, membership stands at more than 1.4 million members of the VFW and its Auxiliary.

Our voice was instrumental in establishing the Veterans Administration, development of the national cemetery system, in the fight for compensation for Vietnam vets exposed to Agent Orange and for veterans diagnosed with Gulf War Syndrome. In 2008, we won a long-fought victory with the passing of a GI Bill for the 21st Century, giving expanded educational benefits to America's active duty service members, and members of the guard and reserves, fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan. We were the driving force behind the Veterans Access and Accountability Act of 2014, and continually fight for improved VA medical centers services for women veterans. The VFW's legislative advocacy efforts were also the driving force behind the passage of the 2019 Blue Water Navy Veteran Act, and the passage of the 2022 Honoring Our PACT Act, which the VFW considers one of the most significant pieces of veterans legislation in history.

Besides helping fund the creation of the Vietnam, Korean War, World War II and Women in Military Service memorials, in 2005 the VFW became the first veterans' organization to contribute to building the new Disabled Veterans for Life Memorial, which opened in November 2010. And in 2015, we became the first supporter of the Desert Storm and Desert Shield Memorial which broke ground in July of 2022.

We have many programs and services that work to support veterans, service members and their families, as well as communities worldwide. Please check out our latest fact sheet or spend some time browsing our site to learn why No One Does More for Veterans.

Care Funding Solution

Arizona Medicaid Planning Services

"Care Funding Solutions is a fee-for-service organization that offers services about Arizona Medicaid Planning by helping families shelter and protect assets, plan for, and assist in the ALTCS Medicaid Long-Term Care Program in Arizona. We also help Veterans to get qualified for Veteran Pension in Arizona. We provide Professional Value-Added Services about Long Term Care Planning, Income Only Trust, Legal Documents and Medicaid Plans."

What is ALTCS?

"Is your elderly or disabled family member in need of additional care, but worried about the expenses that come with long-term care? Arizona’s Long Term Care System (ALTCS) provides monetary assistance for continuing care to disabled and senior citizens. Our services about Arizona Medicaid Planning assist families in planning, qualifying for, and applying for ALTCS benefits due to long and complicated qualification process. We will walk you through ALTCS Qualification, ALTCS Homecare Benefits, Legal Documents, Veterans Benefits, and Long-Term Care Assurance Planning."

For more information check the website.

Care Funding Solutions is one of several firms in Arizona that help individuals/couples qualify for ALTCS. These firms have the knowledge required to help qualify for ALTCS AND often preserve individual/family assets in doing so. This is considered a controversial topic in Arizona. You should plan on doing your research about ALTCS and the qualifying process in advance.

VA Expanding Health Care Access to Millions of Veterans

"All veterans who have served in combat zones since the Vietnam War, along with veterans who were exposed to hazardous materials while training or on active duty, will become eligible March 5 to enroll directly in health care from the Department of Veterans Affairs, the agency announced Feb. 26.

The move speeds up the expanded benefits, which were mandated by the Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act that President Joe Biden signed into law in August 2022. Instead of the phased-in approach called for in the act — a process expected to take years — millions of veterans will become eligible for health care without having first to apply for VA benefits.

Check this AARP site for more information on the accelerated implementation of the PACT Act:

VA Health Care Expands for Millions of Veterans (aarp.org)

Seniorly Location and Placement Services

Find a senior living community you’ll love.

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Our Seniorly Smart Search advanced technology and network of knowledgeable local experts work together to guide you to the next home you’ll love.

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Your Seniorly Local Advisor

After you complete our Smart Search, you’ll work with a Seniorly Local Advisor, your own expert who guides from the first step of your senior living journey—to the day you settle into your new home.

Answers all your questions. Shares insights and knowledge. Tours communities with you. Helps you choose wisely.

Check their website for additional information.

AARP - Veterans Home Modification Benefits Guide: Digital Edition

Connecting veterans, military families with financial assistance programs to modify their homes

"As we age, maintaining independence in the comfort of familiar surroundings often becomes a top priority. Fortunately, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and other organizations offer valuable resources to veterans who face mobility challenges and require home adaptations to suit their individual needs."

"VA grant programs offer more than $150 million in funding each year, but fewer than half of all eligible veterans take advantage of them. VA officials emphasize that increased awareness of these programs could lead to greater funding allocation, directly improving the lives of veterans and their families."

"Although navigating the specific eligibility criteria and application process might seem complex, understanding the benefits offered can empower veterans to access these programs. With the right information and guidance, claiming these well-deserved benefits can lead to better outcomes and an improved quality of life."

Click on the link below to read the entire AARP article.

Find a VA accredited representative or VSO

An accredited attorney, claims agent, or Veterans Service Organization (VSO) representative can help you file a claim or request a decision review. Use our search tool to find one of these types of accredited representatives to help you.

Use this site to find an accredited representative to assist you.

Welcome to Tracy P. MacPherson- Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 12043

For Veterans & Community - Here to Serve

Greetings to Veterans:

Our local VFW Post #12043 in Maricopa is here (directions) to serve you. As American veterans and troops who have served abroad and fought hard to preserve our way of life, we honor you. From the Revolutionary War to today’s Global War against terrorism, most have put their lives in harm's way. Many have paid the ultimate price to protect the freedoms we have. There are others, even in our own community who take these values for granted. Together we can change the miss conceptions.

American Legion

Mission, vision and values

The American Legion is built on a promise from men and women who swore with their lives to defend and protect the United States through military service. The promise begins at enlistment, grows through training and discipline in the U.S. Armed Forces and continues after discharge, as veterans in service to community, state and nation.

In times of crisis, The American Legion steps into the turmoil and fights to provide needed assistance for others.

Young people who seek positive opportunities turn to The American Legion, which has mentored generations into responsible citizens.

Veterans in need of advocates to help them achieve meaningful careers, educations, health-care services, friends and stable homes are supported every day, free of charge, by The American Legion.

Active-duty, National Guard and Reserve personnel have dedicated supporters in The American Legion. A strong and well-resourced national defense is, and has always been, a central purpose of the organization. As former troops, Legionnaires understand the importance of home-front support.

Legionnaires constantly remind communities that freedom and prosperity come with a price, a price often paid in blood. They know the difference between Memorial Day and Veterans Day. They raise the money, put in the hours and bring into existence monuments and memorials to “preserve the memories and incidents of our associations in all wars.”

The American Legion salutes the flag and asks all others to show respect for the unity, freedom and hope it represents.

Among American Legion members, there is no rank or prejudice, only purpose. A veteran is a veteran. And the purpose of veterans in The American Legion is to strengthen the United States of America through programs, services, compassion and actions that have proven vital, timeless and life-changing for over a century.

Bernie G. Crouse American Legion Post 133

Our Regular Post Meeting is the third Thursday of every Month at 1900 Hours

Since our charter in 2010, our American Legion Post has been welcoming Veterans from all branches of our Armed Forces. Today we continue to welcome all military personnel serving our country. Joining our Post enables you to continue serving your God, Country and Community.

The main goal of our Post is to support veterans, veterans families and local youth programs.

If you are a veteran and need assistance of any kind please contact our Service Officer (See Officers Page).

Our Post supports or sponsors the following youth programs:
-American Legion Baseball
-The American Legion Law Enforcement Career Academy (ALLECA)
-Boys State Program
-Cub Scout Troop #997, Boy Scout Troop #993 and Venture Crew #2993

Our American Legion Auxiliary is very active in the community and supports a Girl Scout Troop.

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs - Phoenix Regional Office

Veterans Service Organizations

The following Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) are located at the Phoenix Regional Office:

• American Legion, 602-627-3281
• American Ex-Prisoners of War, 602-627-3296
• American Veterans, 602-627-3276
• Arizona Department of Veterans Services, 602-627-3261
• Disabled American Veterans, 602-6273286
• Paralyzed Veterans of America, 602-627-3311
• Vietnam Veterans of America, 602-627-3299

City of Maricopa Veterans Center

Bernie G. Crouse American Legion Post 133

Our Regular Post Meeting is the third Thursday of every Month at 1900 Hours

Since our charter in 2010, our American Legion Post has been welcoming Veterans from all branches of our Armed Forces. Today we continue to welcome all military personnel serving our country. Joining our Post enables you to continue serving your God, Country and Community.

Our American Legion Auxiliary is very active in the community and supports a Girl Scout Troop.

Blue Star Mothers -

Our history:

In June of 1960, Congress chartered the Blue Star Mothers of America as a Veterans Service Organization (VSO). Blue Star Mothers of Maricopa AZ, AZ7 was chartered in 2013.

We have evolved to also provide support for active military and their families, promote patriotism, assist local veteran associations, volunteer with the VA Hospital in Tucson, AZ to help our country remain strong.

Monthly meetings are held the third Wednesday of every month at 6:30 p.m. all associates, members and potential members are welcome to attend.

Blue Star Mothers of Maricopa, AZ AZ7

Mailing address: PO Box 1397 Maricopa, AZ 85139


WELCOME TO TRACY P. MACPHERSON - VFW POST 12043

For Veterans & Community - Here to Serve

Greetings to Veterans:

Our local VFW Post #12043 in Maricopa is here to serve you.  As American veterans and troops who have served abroad and fought hard to preserve our way of life, we honor you.  From the Revolutionary War to today’s Global War against terrorism, most have put their lives in harms way.  Many have paid the ultimate price to protect the freedoms we have.  There are others, even in our own community who take these values for granted.  Together we can change the miss conceptions. 

Link to VFW Post 12043 website:

Tracy P. MacPherson VFW Post 12043 (vfw12043.org)

The Pact Act and Your VA Benefits

The PACT Act is a new law that expands VA health care and benefits for Veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances.

This article from the US Department of Veterans Affairs addresses the provisions of the PACT Act.

The PACT Act adds to the list of health conditions that we assume (or “presume”) are caused by exposure to these substances. This law helps us provide generations of Veterans—and their survivors—with the care and benefits they’ve earned and deserve.

This article will help answer your questions about what the PACT Act means for you or your loved ones.

You can also call us at 800-698-2411 (TTY: 711). And you can file a claim for PACT Act-related disability compensation or apply for VA health care now.